A 40-year-old man with a long history of schizophrenia has recovered after undergoing a rare, complex surgery in Nagpur, where doctors successfully removed a razor blade lodged in his esophagus. The sharp object had been stuck for over two weeks, creating serious complications—and a full-thickness perforation—in the patient’s throat.
The Medical Drama
Patient History: The man had schizophrenia for 15 years. He was admitted to Midas Hospital complaining of difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) that had lasted about a week. His psychiatric evaluation revealed delusions, auditory hallucinations, and psychotic depression, suggesting the ingestion was not suicide but related to hallucinations.
Diagnosis: Endoscopy confirmed the presence of a razor blade in his esophagus. The blade had caused a full-thickness perforation of the esophageal wall.
Surgery & Treatment:
Lead Surgeon: Dr. Saurabh Mukewar, Senior Gastroenterologist.
●Using endoscopy, the medical team carefully extracted the razor blade.
●A metal stent was placed to seal the perforation.
●Psychiatric care was also part of the treatment to address mental health issues.
Outcome: The patient showed good recovery, began tolerating oral nutrition again, and was discharged in stable condition. He will continue both medical follow-up and psychiatric therapy.
Reflections from the Doctor
Dr. Mukewar highlighted how the case posed multiple challenges—not just mechanically removing a dangerous foreign object, but also managing the patient’s psychiatric state. The coordinated approach between gastroenterologists, psychiatrists, and nursing staff played a key role in the success.
What This Means
It’s a reminder of how mental health can present in unexpected, serious physical ways.
The case demonstrates the importance of multidisciplinary medical care—combining physical surgery with psychological treatment.
Also, it shows that affected individuals can recover with timely intervention, even in high-risk situations with sharp objects lodged in vital zones.
